The annual WNY Advising Conference is put together by a group of dedicated advising professionals from many institutions in the Western New York area. The one day conference, held in February, brings together over 160-230 advising professionals from across the region, offers break out sessions, a keynote speaker, and a variety of opportunities for professional networking. 

In addition to attending the conference, you are welcome to get involved with the conference directly by joining the conference committee or email distribution list. We also hope that you will explore the WNY Advising site to help continue the networking an collaboration year round.

2019 Keynote TBD
​2018 Keynote: Dr. Blanca Vega​ - Advising College Students During Times of Racial Conflict

While higher education campuses have always been targets for hate groups, white supremacists organizations are ramping up their recruitment efforts now more than ever. The result will be increased levels of racial conflict that may always manifest interpersonally and only among students. To this end, post secondary institutional agents must be aware of how organizational conflict may manifest, even if this is not their main professional responsibility. By the end of this talk, conference attendees should be able to:
  1. Rethink and flesh out assumptions about racial incidents in a safe and supportive space
  2. Have a tool to better understand how racial incidents manifest in their institutions or organizations
  3. Bring back this tool to their campuses to brainstorm with stakeholders who seek to understand and recognize racial incidents on their campuses.
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Dr. Blanca Vega (2018 Keynote)
“Dr. Vega received her Ed.D. in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2015. She is a faculty member in the Higher Educational Leadership concentration within the Educational Leadership program. Dr. Vega has published articles in well-recognized journals, book chapters and research reports. She has expertise in issues of race, diversity, equity, educational opportunity, and law in the U.S. as well as in higher education policy in Ecuador. She has presented numerous papers at national and local conferences on topics such as undocumented students, the law, and financial aid. Given her international and national experience, she has been quoted in popular media such as the New York Times.” (Montclair State University Faculty Directory)​

Sarah Piraino Scholarships & Benefit

Sarah Piraino was a beloved advising colleague and former chair of the conference. who sadly passed away September 19, 2018.  Last year we raised over $825 for Sarah and her family's medical expenses. In her memory we are offering the following three initiatives.  (More information)
  • Sarah Piraino Scholarship for Graduate Students: We are proud to offer the inaugural Sarah Piraino Scholarship for two graduate students who wish to attend the WNY Advising Conference. Stay tuned for more details about how to apply for this scholarship.
  • Sarah Piraino Advising Award for New Advisors:  We are proud to offer the inaugural Sarah Piraino Advising Award for new advisors.  Stay tuned for more details about how to nominate someone for this award.
  • Sarah Piraino Family Benefit: We are hosting a 2nd basket giveaway at our annual conference to benefit Sarah Pirainos family.  Please consider donating Items (partial items, baskets, gift cards, wine, etc.... or soliciting businesses that you think would be interested in donating.  Direct gifts can be made to their go-fund-me page. 

2019 Agenda
  •  & Ongoing Basket Giveway to benefit Sarah Piraino's family  Tickets available for $5 per sheet  (last tickets will be sold at the pretzel break)
8:30-9am: Check-in and Breakfast
           - 8:40-8:50 Optional Pre-Con: Getting the most out of the WNY Advising Conference
9:00-9:15am: Welcome
9:15-10:00am: Keynote Address
10:05-11:05am: Session 1
11:10-12:10pm: Session 2
12:10-1:10pm: Luncheon & Award Presentation
1:10-2:10pm: Session 3
2:10-2:40pm: Pretzel Break
2:40-3:40pm: Session 4
3:40:  Wrap Up & Basket Giveaway

Conference Back Channel
Join us on Twitter and social media for updates:

Directions & Parking Voucher
THE CONFERENCE & EVENT CENTER AND OLD FALLS STREET, USA
101 OLD FALLS STREET, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, USA 14303

Complementary Parking Voucher
(Provided as the Conference approaches)
  • (P1) 3rd St. Lot next to Jefferson Apartments
  • (P3) Rainbow Parking Ramp
FROM BUFFALO
1. Take the I-190 N towards Niagara Falls
2. Take the Robert Moses Parkway EXIT 21
3. Stay in the right hand lane at John B. Daly Blvd./Downtown
4. Proceed on John B. Daly Blvd. to the second light, make a left onto Rainbow Boulevard
5. Turn right onto Third Street
 
​FROM ALBANY & EAST
1. Take the I-90 W to I-290 W to
I-190 N
2. Take the Robert Moses Parkway EXIT 21
3. Stay in the right hand lane at John B. Daly Blvd./Downtown
4. Proceed on John B. Daly Blvd. to the second light, make a left onto Rainbow Boulevard
5. Turn right onto Third Street
FROM TORONTO
1. Take the Gardiner
Expressway to the QEW South
2. Enter the USA via the
Rainbow Bridge on to Niagara Street
3. Make a right onto Third Street
 
© John P. Sauter Jr. / WNY Advising                   Individual presentations / blogs are copyrighted by their contributing authors.